It’s painful, impairs movement and causes swelling of the joint. Some people are so disabled by it that they can’t work anymore. Meanwhile, for others, the pain isn’t necessarily as bad, but it still prevents them from regular activities like cleaning, gardening and running after their kids. Try to maintain a healthy weight and avoid activities that put a lot of stress on your knees. Get treatment if you have symptoms of arthritis of the knee. But some treatments help reduce the severity of the symptoms and maybe keep the disease from getting worse.
Dealing with knee and leg pain can be a frustrating and debilitating experience. Whether it is due to an injury, overuse, or a chronic condition, finding the right treatment is crucial for relief and recovery. There are various options available to help alleviate pain and improve mobility in the knees and legs.
When the components of the knee are not working properly, pain, inflammation, and other symptoms can occur. Problems can result from trauma or a medical condition. You should also check with your healthcare provider to see if tai chi is safe for you to do, as you would with any type of exercise program.
Physical Therapy
Ligaments that run through the knee connect the thigh bone, or femur, to the lower leg bone, or tibia. An obvious knee injury caused by sudden trauma, such as from a road accident or a fall, may need immediate medical attention. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to involve swelling of the knee. Sore joints will tend to be red, tender, warm, and swollen.
See your healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment if you have symptoms. Arthritis of the knee can get worse with time and stress on the joint. Try treatments like medications and physical therapy to ease symptoms and possibly slow down the progress of the disease. Iliotibial band syndrome is a condition that affects runners, cyclists, or other people who do a lot of repetitive knee movements.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the result of an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack its own tissues. Arthrofibrosis, or stiff knee syndrome, occurs when an excessive amount of scar tissue forms around the knee joint. A person can injure or damage a meniscus by suddenly moving or twisting the knee. This is most likely to occur during sports or other types of physical activity. The menisci are two “C” shaped pieces of cartilage that sit inside the knee joint. Their role is to act as a cushion, or shock absorber, between the bones that make up the joint.
Physical therapy is often recommended as a primary treatment for knee and leg pain. A physical therapist can assess your condition and develop a personalized plan to strengthen the muscles around the knees and legs, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Through targeted exercises and stretches, physical therapy can help you regain function and prevent future injuries.
Medication
It can happen for a number of reasons, and it can make it difficult to walk and function in everyday life. Topical pain relievers are treatments that are applied to the skin. Because they don’t reach the entire body, topical pain relievers have fewer side effects compared to oral drug therapies. One 2016 systemic review and meta-analysis found that just 500 milligrams (mg) of turmeric could reduce joint pain and stiffness in people with OA or RA.
If the pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to provide temporary relief from pain and swelling.
Surgery
In cases where conservative treatments have not been effective, surgery may be necessary to address underlying issues causing knee and leg pain. Procedures such as arthroscopic surgery, knee replacement, or ligament repair may be performed to improve function and reduce pain.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to recover from knee surgery?
- A: Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery performed, but most patients can expect to resume normal activities within a few weeks to a few months.
Q: Can I prevent knee and leg pain?
- A: Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, wearing supportive footwear, and avoiding high-impact activities can help prevent knee and leg pain.
By seeking appropriate treatment and following a comprehensive plan tailored to your needs, you can effectively manage knee and leg pain and improve your quality of life.
